Flexible carrier for product dispenser

ABSTRACT

A product dispenser carrier includes an elastic body defining an opening to receive a product dispenser. The dispenser carrier further includes a coupler fixed to the elastic body to facilitate attachment of the elastic body to another object. In a particular embodiment, the product dispenser is a lip balm dispenser. In a more particular embodiment, the elastic body includes aesthetic features corresponding to the theme of the product dispenser.

BACKGROUND Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to product dispensers, and more particularly to a product dispenser carrier.

Description of the Background Art

Lip balm is an essential commodity for many individuals. Typically, lip balm is carried in purses, pockets, backpacks, etc. so that it is readily accessible. Because lip balm dispensers are relatively small, users often misplace them. Another challenge that lip balm users commonly encounter is forgetting to bring the lip balm with them when they travel.

What is needed, therefore, is a means for carrying lip balm that prevents the user from misplacing or forgetting the lip balm.

SUMMARY

The present invention overcomes the problems associated with the prior art by providing a convenient carrier for a product dispenser (e.g., a lip balm dispenser, cosmetic dispenser, insect or attacker repellant, etc.). The invention facilitates convenient insertion, carrying, and easy release of a product dispenser.

An example carrier for a product dispenser includes an elastic body and a coupler. The coupler is fixed to the elastic body and operative to facilitate the attachment of the elastic body to another object (e.g., a key ring, a purse, a backpack, etc.). An elongated opening is defined by a surface of the elastic body. The elongated opening is configured to receive a product dispenser within the elastic body, to retain the product dispenser within the elastic body, and to display a surface of the product dispenser through the elongated opening when the product dispenser is disposed in the elastic body. The elongated opening includes a recess in a surface of the elastic body that passes only partially through the elastic body. In a disclosed example embodiment, the body is monolithic.

A carrier in combination with the product dispenser is also disclosed. In an example combination, the body includes an aesthetic feature, and the product dispenser includes a complementary aesthetic feature associated with the aesthetic feature of the body. In an example embodiment, the body is configured to compression fit the product dispenser in the recess of the body.

In an example carrier, the product dispenser has a height and a depth, and the height of the product dispenser is greater than the depth of the product dispenser. The recess also has a height and a depth, and the depth of the recess is greater than or equal to the depth of the product dispenser.

In another example carrier the product dispenser has a height and a width, and the height of the product dispenser is greater than the width of the product dispenser and greater than the depth of the product dispenser. The elongated opening has a height and a width, and the height of the elongated opening is greater than the width of the opening. The height of the product dispenser is also greater than the height of the opening.

Optionally, the carrier additional includes a key holder coupled to the coupler.

In an example embodiment, the body includes an elastomer. In a particular example embodiment, the body includes silicone.

In an example carrier-dispenser combination, the product dispenser includes an outer surfacing having a contour, and the surface defining the elongated opening has a contour complimentary to the contour of the outer surface of the product dispenser. In a particular example, the opening is a generally cylindrical channel defined by a base shape extending along an axis, and the product dispenser includes a generally cylindrical body defined by a base shape extending along an axis. In an example embodiment, the base shape of the cylindrical channel is oblong. Similarly, the base shape of the cylindrical body of the product dispenser can be oblong.

A carrier with a retaining structure is also disclosed. In an example carrier, the elongated opening includes a base surface, a top surface, and a channel. The top surface is spaced apart from and faces the base surface, and the channel extends between the base surface and the top surface, along an axis intersecting a central portion of the base surface and the top surface. The base surface defines a protrusion (e.g., a bump) raised in a direction toward the top surface along the axis. The protrusion is configured to engage a depression (e.g., the center of dispensing wheel) in a bottom of the product dispenser.

An example elastic carrier provides easy insertion, carrying, and removal of the product dispenser. For example, the shape of the elongated opening is changed when the elastic body is deformed. This facilitates the release of the product dispenser from the opening when the body is deformed because, optionally, the product dispenser is rigid. The body of the carrier returns to its original shape when no external forces are exerted thereon.

In an example carrier, a retaining lip helps secure the product dispenser in the elongated opening. The elastic body defines a margin of the opening, and at least a portion of the margin includes a retaining lip to secure the product dispenser in the opening.

Example methods for manufacturing a carrier for a product dispenser are also disclosed. An example method includes providing elastic material and forming a body from the elastic material. The body includes an elongated opening defined by a surface of the body. Additionally, the elongated opening is configured to receive the product dispenser within the elastic body, to retain the product dispenser within the elastic body, and to display a surface of the product dispenser through the elongated opening when the product dispenser is disposed in the elastic body. The example method additionally includes forming a coupler fixed to the body. The coupler is configured to facilitate the attachment of the body to another object (e.g., a key ring, etc.).

An example lip balm system is also disclosed. The example lip balm system includes a rigid lip balm dispenser, lip balm, a body, and a fastener. The lip balm is contained within the lip balm dispenser. The body is an elastic, monolithic body defining a recess configured to securely seat the lip balm dispenser therein. The fastener is attached to the elastic, monolithic body and facilitates the removable attachment of the body to another object.

In the example lip balm system, a portion of the elastic, monolithic body defines an edge of the recess. The edge of the recess forms an opening, through which a surface of the lip balm dispenser is displayed when the lip balm dispenser is disposed in the body. In addition, the surface of the body includes an aesthetic feature, and the surface of the lip balm dispenser includes an aesthetic feature complementary to the aesthetic feature of the surface of the body. Deformation of the body facilitates the release of the rigid lip balm dispenser from the opening, and the body returns to its original shape when no external forces are exerted thereon.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is described with reference to the following drawings, wherein like reference numbers denote substantially similar elements:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an example product dispenser carrier attached to a key ring;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the product dispenser exploded from the product dispenser carrier of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the body of the product dispenser carrier of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional, top view of the body of the product dispenser carrier of FIG. 1, taken along line A-A of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional, side view of the product dispenser seated in the body of the product dispenser carrier of FIG. 1 taken along line B-B of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional, side view of the product dispenser partially seated in the body of the product dispenser carrier of FIG. 1, taken along line B-B of FIG. 3, wherein the body is shown in a flexed state;

FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional, side view of the product dispenser removed from the body of the product dispenser carrier of FIG. 1, taken along line B-B of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional, side view of the product dispenser of FIG. 1 seated in a body of an alternate, example product dispenser carrier;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional, top view of the product dispenser of FIG. 1 seated in a body of another alternate, example product dispenser carrier; and

FIG. 8 is a flowchart summarizing a method of manufacturing a product dispenser carrier.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention overcomes the problems associated with the prior art, by providing a carrier for a product dispenser (e.g., a keychain lip balm carrier). In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth (e.g., product/dispenser types, manufacturing materials, aesthetic features, etc.) in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize, however, that the invention may be practiced apart from these specific details. In other instances, details of well-known manufacturing practices (e.g., molding techniques, key ring forming, etc.) and components have been omitted, so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a product dispenser carrier 100 attached to an object which, in this example embodiment, is depicted as a key 102. Carrier 100 is configured to carry a product dispenser 104, which is depicted herein as a lip balm dispenser. Carrier 100 may also hold other product dispensers such as, for example, lighters, makeup dispensers, medicine dispensers, food dispensers, etc. Although carrier 100 is shown attached to key 102 in this example, carrier 100 can also be configured to be removably attached to other objects such as, for example, purse rings, gym bags, etc.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of carrier 100 showing dispenser 104 exploded therefrom. As shown in FIG. 2, carrier 100 includes a body 200 and a coupler 202.

Body 200 is a monolithic, elastomeric body formed from, for example, molded silicone. Body 200 includes a first surface 204 and an opposite second surface 206. First surface 204 includes aesthetic features 208 (shown in FIG. 3) that enhance the aesthetic appeal of carrier 100. Features 208, a label 210 of dispenser 104, and a characteristic of the contents (e.g., the flavor of the lip balm) within dispenser 104 share a common theme, which, in this example, is a well-known candy manufacturer. The shape and/or other aesthetic features of body 200 are complementary to the aesthetic features of product dispenser 104.

Second surface 206 of body 200 defines a recess 212 configured to removably seat dispenser 104 therein. Recess 212 includes an opening in second surface 206 of body 200, through which label 210 of dispenser 104 is displayed when dispenser 104 is seated in recess 212. Recess 212 additionally includes a bottom surface 214, a top surface 216, two side surfaces 218, and a back surface 220.

The configuration of recess 212 depends, at least partially, on the shape, dimensions, etc. of product dispenser 104. Bottom surface 214 is disposed and adapted to abut the bottom of dispenser 104, top surface 216 is disposed and adapted to abut the top surface of the cap of dispenser 104, side surfaces 218 are disposed and adapted to abut respective side surfaces of dispenser 104, and back surface 220 is disposed and adapted to abut the back surface of dispenser 104. The elastic property of body 200 (e.g., of silicone) enables dispenser 104 to be compression fit within recess 212, when dispenser 104 is seated therein. The top and bottom portions of the outer peripheral edge defining the opening to recess 212 each define a retaining lip 222 to further facilitate the securement of dispenser 104 in recess 212. For example, the distance between opposing lips 222 is less than the height of dispenser 104.

Coupler 202 facilitates the removable attachment of carrier 100 to another object. In the example embodiment, coupler 202 includes a loop 224, a fastener 226, and a lanyard 228 coupled therebetween. Loop 224 is a through-hole defined by body 200, to which lanyard 228 is attached. Fastener 226 is a keyring configured to be removably attached an object. Alternatively, fastener 226 may be a clasp, a carabiner, or any other fastener suitable for a particular application. Lanyard 228 is a chain having a first end, fastened to loop 224, and an opposite second end, attached to fastener 226.

In the example embodiment, dispenser 104 has a substantially oval cylindrical shape. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that dispenser 104 can have a circular cylindrical shape, a polygonal cylindrical shape, or any other shape that fits properly within recess 212.

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of body 200, showing first surface 204. As shown, surface 204 defines aesthetic features 208 which, in this example, include fish features (e.g., gills, eye, tail, etc.) corresponding to the fish logo of label 210 of dispenser 104. Furthermore, aesthetic features 208 further include the contour of outer surface 300 of body 200, which is shaped like the fish logo of label 210 of dispenser 104. The aesthetic features of first surface 204 need not be identical to the aesthetic features of product dispenser 104. Rather, the aesthetic features of body 200, the aesthetic features of product dispenser 104, and the contents of product dispenser 104 can simply complement one another by sharing a common theme.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional top view of body 200 taken along line A-A of FIG. 3, with dispenser 104 being seated in recess 212. As shown, the depth of recess 212 (i.e. distance from surface 220 to the opening of recess 212) is such that dispenser 104 does not protrude from body 200, when dispenser 104 is seated in recess 212. Rather, the distance between the interior surface of lip 222 and surface 220 is slightly less than the depth of dispenser 104 such that the interior surface of lip 222 engages the front surface of dispenser 104 to secure dispenser 104 in recess 212. The width of recess 212 is such that surfaces 218 engage the side surfaces of dispenser 104 to facilitate a slight compression fitting. In other words, the distance between surfaces 218 is slightly less than the width of dispenser 104, such that surfaces 218 are urged slightly outward when dispenser 104 is seated in recess 212. In this example, surfaces 218 are flat to facilitate easy removal of dispenser 104 from recess 212, but frictional contact between side walls 218 and product dispenser 104 helps to keep product dispenser 104 positioned within recess 212. Surface 220 is contoured to the rear surface of dispenser 104 to further facilitate securement of dispenser 104 in recess 212.

FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional side view of body 200, taken along line B-B of FIG. 3, with dispenser 104 being entirely seated in recess 212. As shown, dispenser 104 remains snuggly compression fit into recess 212 when body 200 is not flexed. The height of recess 212 is such that surfaces 214 and 216 frictionally engage (e.g., are biased against) the bottom and top surfaces, respectively, of dispenser 104 to retain dispenser 104 within recess 212. In other words, the distance between surfaces 214 and 216 is slightly less than the height of dispenser 104, such that surfaces 214 and 216 are urged slightly away from one another when dispenser 104 is seated in recess 212.

FIG. 5B is cross-section side view of body 200 taken along line B-B of FIG. 3, wherein body 200 is shown in a flexed state, which causes dispenser 104 to protrude from recess 212. With dispenser 104 protruding from recess 212, dispenser 104 can be easily grasped and pulled away from body 200. Note that the large arrows 500 represent forces applied to body 200 by a user during the extraction of dispenser 104 from body 200. The elasticity of body 200 is such that it will return to its original shape, with no permanent deformation, after forces 500 are removed therefrom as shown in FIG. 5C.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of dispenser 104 compression seated in a body 600 of an alternate, example carrier. Body 600 is substantially similar to body 200, except that body 600 includes recess 602 with a different contour. Therefore, elements of body 600 that are substantially similar to those of body 200 are denoted herein by like reference numbers to avoid redundancy. In this embodiment, the bottom interior surface of recess 602 includes a raised protrusion 604 that engages a complimentary recess 606 of the bottom surface of dispenser 104, to additionally secure dispenser 104 within recess 602. Furthermore, the depth of recess 602 is slightly less than that of recess 602 such that the front surface of dispenser 104 is substantially flush with a front surface 608 of body 600, when dispenser 104 is seated in recess 602.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional top view of dispenser 104 compression seated in a body 700 of another alternate, example carrier. Body 700 is substantially similar to body 200, except that body 700 has a differently configured recess 702. Elements of body 700 that are substantially similar to those of body 200 are denoted herein by like reference numbers to avoid redundancy. In this embodiment, recess 702 is defined by an interior surface 704 that is contoured to fit closely around the side surfaces of surfaces of dispenser 104, in addition to the rear surface of dispenser 104. Because body 700 is elastic, dispenser can be removed from body 700 in the same way that it is removed from body 200 (FIGS. 5A-5C).

FIG. 8 is a flowchart 800 summarizing an example method for manufacturing a product dispenser carrier. In a first step 802, elastic material is provided. Then, in a second step 804, a body is formed from the elastic material to include an opening configured to accept a product dispenser within the elastic body. Finally, in a third step 806, a coupler is fixed to the elastic body.

The description of particular example embodiments of the present invention is now complete. Many of the described features may be substituted, altered or omitted without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, alternate elastic materials (e.g. thermoplastic elastomers), may be substituted for the silicone used to form the body. As another example, the product dispenser and/or carrier may have aesthetic features, product dispenser labels, and product flavors of any desired theme. These and other deviations from the particular embodiments shown will be apparent to those skilled in the art, particularly in view of the foregoing disclosure. 

1. A carrier for a product dispenser, said carrier comprising: an elastic body; a coupler fixed to said elastic body and operative to facilitate the attachment of said elastic body to another object; an elongated opening defined by a surface of said elastic body, said elongated opening being configured to receive a product dispenser within said elastic body, to retain said product dispenser within said elastic body, and to display a surface of said product dispenser through said elongated opening when said product dispenser is disposed in said elastic body.
 2. The carrier of claim 1, wherein said elongated opening includes a recess in a surface of said elastic body that passes only partially through said elastic body.
 3. The carrier of claim 2, further comprising said product dispenser.
 4. The carrier of claim 3, wherein said body includes an aesthetic feature; and said product dispenser includes a complementary aesthetic feature associated with said aesthetic feature of said body.
 5. The carrier of claim 3, wherein said body is configured to compression fit said product dispenser in said recess of said body.
 6. The carrier of claim 2, wherein: said product dispenser has a height and a depth; said height of said product dispenser is greater than said depth of said product dispenser; said recess has a height and a depth; said depth of said recess is greater than or equal to said depth of said product dispenser.
 7. The carrier of claim 1, wherein: said product dispenser has a height, a width, and a depth; said height of said product dispenser is greater than said width of said product dispenser and greater than said depth of said product dispenser; said elongated opening has a height and a width; said height of said elongated opening is greater than said width of said opening; and said height of said product dispenser is greater than said height of said opening.
 8. The carrier of claim 1, further comprising a key holder coupled to said coupler.
 9. The carrier of claim 1, wherein said body comprises an elastomer.
 10. The carrier of claim 9, wherein said body includes silicone.
 11. The carrier of claim 1, wherein said body is monolithic.
 12. The carrier of claim 1, wherein said product dispenser includes an outer surfacing having a contour, and said surface defining said elongated opening has a contour complimentary to said contour of said outer surface of said product dispenser.
 13. The carrier of claim 1, wherein said opening is a generally cylindrical channel defined by a base shape extending along an axis; and said product dispenser includes a generally cylindrical body defined by a base shape extending along an axis.
 14. The carrier of claim 13, wherein said base shape of said cylindrical channel is oblong.
 15. The carrier of claim 1, wherein: said elongated opening includes a base surface, a top surface, said top surface spaced apart from and facing said base surface, and a channel extending between said base surface and said top surface along an axis intersecting a central portion of said base surface and said top surface; and said base surface defines a protrusion raised in a direction toward said top surface along said axis, said protrusion configured to engage a depression in a bottom of said product dispenser.
 16. The carrier of claim 1, wherein a shape of said elongated opening is changed when said elastic body is deformed, thereby facilitating the release of said product dispenser from said opening when said body is deformed, and said body returns to its original shape when no external forces are exerted thereon.
 17. The carrier of claim 1, wherein: said elastic body defines a margin of said opening; and at least a portion of said margin includes a retaining lip to secure said product dispenser in said opening.
 18. The carrier of claim 1, further comprising a rigid product dispenser.
 19. A method for manufacturing a carrier for a product dispenser, said method comprising: providing elastic material; forming a body from said elastic material, said body including an elongated opening defined by a surface of said body, said elongated opening being configured to receive a product dispenser within said elastic body, to retain said product dispenser within said elastic body, and to display a surface of said product dispenser through said elongated opening when said product dispenser is disposed in said elastic body; forming a coupler fixed to said body, said coupler configured to facilitate the attachment of said body to another object.
 20. A lip balm system comprising: a rigid lip balm dispenser; lip balm contained within said lip balm dispenser; an elastic, monolithic body defining a recess configured to securely seat said lip balm dispenser therein; a fastener attached to said elastic, monolithic body that facilitates the removable attachment of said body to another object; and wherein a portion of said elastic, monolithic body defines an edge of said recess, said edge of said recess forming an opening through which a surface of said lip balm dispenser is displayed when said lip balm dispenser is disposed in said body; said surface of said body includes an aesthetic feature; said surface of said lip balm dispenser includes an aesthetic feature complementary to said aesthetic feature of said surface of said body; deformation of said body facilitates the release of said rigid lip balm dispenser from said opening; and said body returns to its original shape when no external forces are exerted thereon.
 21. The carrier of claim 1, wherein: said elastic body is bounded by a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge, a second side edge, a front surface, and a rear surface, said front surface extending between said top edge and said bottom edge and between said first side edge and said second side edge, said rear surface disposed on an opposite side of said elastic body from said front surface; said elastic body has a height defined by a maximum distance between said top edge and said bottom edge along a first axis passing through said top edge and said bottom edge; said elastic body has a width defined by a maximum distance between said first side edge and said second side edge along a second axis passing through said first side edge and said second side edge, said second axis being perpendicular to said first axis; said elastic body has a thickness defined by a maximum distance between said front surface and said rear surface along a third axis, said third axis being perpendicular to said first axis and said second axis; said height and said width are greater than said thickness; and said elongated opening is defined by said front surface. 